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Farmer bridge assistance enrollment period begins
During the keynote speech at USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum last Friday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the applications for the farmer bridge assistance program would open ahead of schedule. The application process is now open as of Monday February 23rd, says Rollins. Pre-filled applications will be available online for farmers who filed 2025 crop acreage reports for eligible commodities and have a Login.gov account. Growers have until April 17th to submit completed farmer bridge...
USDA funds to support farmworkers
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states and Puerto Rico. The funds come through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program and will reach 177 unique agricultural operations and more than 11,000...
Spring rains have been more of a blessing than a curse
This spring has given Iowa an interesting start to the 2024 growing season. On the one hand, we know that the rains slowed down planting progress, but we also needed the rains to replenish the drought-stricken soils and give our crops a fighting chance to have a less...
USDA aids Landus in opening new fertilizer production facility
Yesterday marked the ribbon cutting of Landus’ brand new 75,000-square-foot Fertilizer Production and Distribution Facility in Boone. The facility, which costs nearly $15 million, will produce sustainable, slow-release fertilizer products to bring environmentally and...
One Health approach protects humans, pigs, and the environment
The One Health approach is vital in meeting the growing market demand for pork. As consumers become more conscientious about the food they consume, there is a heightened focus on food safety, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Dr. Heather Fowler,...
NPPC continues to work towards solutions for farm labor
As rural populations continue to decline in rural America, labor issues have become a hurdle for the agriculture industry. With many rural counties losing population to urban centers, the number of available workers for agricultural jobs has also declined. As an...
Groups sue EPA over emissions rule
The American Petroleum Institute teamed up with ag groups to sue the Environmental Protection Agency over its light-duty and medium-duty vehicle emissions standards for model years 2027-2032. While API is the lead petitioner, The Fence Post says the National Corn...
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Pork producers celebrate UN decision on antimicrobials
In a victory for America’s pork producers and swine veterinarians, the National Pork Producers Council celebrated a United Nations decision on antimicrobials. NPPC was on hand for the discussion and providing guidance when the U.N. rejected proposed on-farm target...
Dairy Sweet becomes Iowa’s best breaded pork tenderloin contest winner
Dairy Sweet, located in Dunlap, Iowa and owned by Lori and Greg Thomsen, claimed the title of Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in 2024. This marks a triumphant return to a legacy that began in 2005 when the restaurant first won under the ownership of Lori’s...
Clean energy options are plentiful in rural America
The USDA has announced more funding to construct more clean energy options for rural America. The agency says that it is offering $145 million in funding for 700 loan and grant awards through the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, “to help agricultural...
Pork fits in with Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations
Hispanic Heritage Month honors Hispanic people who’ve contributed much to American culture. Jose de Jesus, assistant vice president for consumer marketing at the National Pork Board, talks about Hispanic Heritage Month. Ponle (Pawn – leigh) Pork, translated to “Add...
CLAAS introducing more hay tools to North America lineup
Originally introduced this past spring to European farmers, a popular expanded lineup of CLAAS tedders and mowers will make its way over to North America for the first time in 2025. Producers will be able to check out an expanded DISCO mower line and three new, wider...
